LGBT rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo — legal status of LGBT minorities in the DRC

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Tuesday, October 13, 2026

LGBT rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

legal status of LGBT minorities in the DRC

In brief

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is grappling with the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in its history, centered in Ituri, with 5,514 confirmed cases and 2,642 deaths and a case fatality rate near 48%, including many deaths occurring outside treatment centers. While tens of thousands of vaccine doses have arrived, authorities warn Ervebo’s effectiveness against the Bundibugyo virus is unproven and call for scaled-up action to reach affected communities and bolster response efforts.

The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo began in February and was only officially declared on May 15, resulting in about 1,900–1,960 deaths and thousands of cases, making it the second-worst on record. Ongoing insecurity, misdiagnoses, late care, and limited access hinder containment, with no approved vaccine for this strain, prompting WHO and partners to intensify efforts and consider vaccines like Ervebo while acknowledging a strain-specific vaccine remains the best option.

LatestDR Congo Ebola outbreak hits record 8,000 casesDRC's Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak hit 8,067 cases and 3,901 deaths, the largest in its history and second-largest globally, with no vaccine or treatment.Sep 28, 2026